Statistics show that the type of European agriculture is characterized by a significant predominance of livestock (dairy and meat), pig and poultry. A particularly high level of livestock has been achieved in Denmark.
And which country is called the "dairy farm of Europe"? One of the largest producers of butter, cheese, pork, eggs and especially milk in the world - Denmark.
Briefly about the country's agriculture
55% of the territory of Denmark is used in agriculture. Since the end of the 19th century, it has been specializing in animal husbandry in this country. The preference is given to raising livestock and pigs. In this regard, most of the crop production is used as animal feed.
Due to crises in recent years, the role of Danish agriculture has declined slightly. The number of farms has decreased by more than 1/2 compared with 1975, the size of land allotments began to decrease. Despite all this, Denmark remains among the most developed countries, especially in the production of meat and milk.
Denmark - Europe’s Dairy Farm
Livestock Danish farms are rightfully recognized as one of the best in the world in terms of their relationship to the environment. Also, high-tech farm equipment and a high level of professional management contribute to a good level of protection for Danish animals. The latter applies not only to the preservation of their health, but also to the ethical attitude towards them in the process of their maintenance.
An important place is also occupied by excellent working conditions. And this applies not only to livestock.
The country is developing in the right direction. “Dairy Farm of Europe”, thanks to such an attitude of the government and the entire population towards production, strengthens its position in the international market and further develops its society.
It is worth noting that the youngest of the Queen’s sons, Prince Joachim, is an agronomist by training, and he promotes around the world just such a model (Danish) of livestock farming.
Geography and structure of the economy
“Dairy Farm of Europe” is an island state located in the northern part of Europe. Denmark has more than 400 islands and a peninsula, the largest of which are the islands of Zealand, Funen (the birthplace of G.-H. Andersen is the city of Odense), Bornholm, Falster, Lolland. Denmark also includes the largest island in the world, Greenland, and Farrers Islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean.
Denmark has a land border only with Germany. From the west of the country is the North Sea, the Baltic Sea from the East.
More than 5.5 million people are the population of Denmark. Of these, 1.3 million are residents of the capital and its environs. The working population in Denmark (up to 70 years) is approximately 4 million people.
The “Dairy Farm of Europe” has agriculture, an efficient industry and a services sector as its main economic potential.
Statistics
- In general, the herd of the country includes more than 1.6 million head of cattle, 580 thousand of which are a herd of dairy cows.
- Today, 3,700 Danish dairy farms produce the same amount of milk that was produced 141,000 farms 50 years ago. No wonder Denmark received the unofficial title - “Europe's dairy farm”.
- Average productivity of one dairy cow is 29.5 liters per day, while half a century ago it is up to 12 liters. Even fixed volumes of about 60 liters of milk per day.
- The average livestock herd of dairy cows of one farm is 156 animals. Large farms with a livestock of up to 500 and more heads are also found now.
- The largest farms are with cows of the Jersey breed.
- Average herd milk production per year is approximately 1.4 million liters.
Export
Denmark exports its dairy products mainly to Germany (mostly cheeses); Great Britain and Sweden (butter and cheese). Beef and veal - to Germany, Italy and Spain.
The total mass of exports is 2/3 of all livestock products. This speaks of its excellent quality and confirms the title of the country - “Europe's dairy farm”.
In conclusion about the important - livestock conditions
Officially, Danish animals have the status of the cleanest and healthiest.
When raising livestock in Denmark, never used any hormonal drugs to build muscle. Therefore, Danish meat, like the animals themselves, is the cleanest and healthiest and enjoys wide worldwide popularity.
All farms in this dairy country are necessarily subject to the state program for monitoring the quality of manufactured products, preserving the environment and carefully monitoring the composition of milk.
Here are the most stringent rules in Europe aimed at protecting animals.